Pope Leo XIV is “deeply saddened” by Wednesday’s rail disaster near Toledo, Spain, in which 68 people died, according to a telegram of condolences signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and addressed to Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves of Toledo.

The message said the pontiff “offers prayers for the eternal repose of the deceased.

“Likewise, the holy father extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, together with his expressions of comfort, sincere sympathy and wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured,” it continued.

“His holiness, while encouraging the members of the rescue teams to persist in their relief and assistance work, wholeheartedly imparts to them all the comfort of his apostolic blessing, as a sign of hope in the risen Lord”.